WELLPINIT, Wash. - Walk into Wellpinit High School and someone from outside the community might think students are getting ready for a rummage sale. To Wellpinit residents, however, its just family looking after each other in the wake of the Cayuse Mountain Fire. It all started on Facebook.

Human fire starts threaten communities, lands and livelihoods

Caution needed as forecasts call for hot, windy weather

OLYMPIA - Over the last six days, firefighters from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have responded to 82 wildfire starts. Investigators believe all but two of those were likely started by humans.

DNR fire leaders are again urging caution with the expected arrival of hot, windy weather in the extended forecast for this weekend.

Firefighters not actively engaged in the ongoing large wildfires are strategically positioning for the coming weather, but DNR asks every Washingtonian to exercise extra caution when working or playing outdoors.

"It is the personal responsibility of all Washingtonians to take seriously the possibility that working or playing outdoors can spark tragedy," said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. "Our firefighters work hard to protect our communities and our natural treasures. Don't make their jobs any harder."

Last week, DNR instituted a full burn ban, which forbids outdoor burning, including campfires, on lands under the agency's fire protection.

As of Tuesday morning, Aug. 23, DNR firefighters had responded to 592 fires that have burned 14,671 acres. At this point in 2015, there had been 857 fires burning 326,179 acres. In 2014 by this date, there were 653 fires burning 191,504 acres.

Those who spot illegal campfires or new wildfires are urged to call 911 immediately.

SPOKANE, Wash. - The Wellesley Fire was contained Tuesday and is expected to stay in those containment lines. Two homes were destroyed when the fire started Sunday, the loss of one of those homes changing the Landrus family forever. "My grandfather helped my dad build this house," David Landrus said.

KAHLOTUS FIRE UPDATE

As of 9:00 a.m. today, Kahlotus Fire has burned approximately 5,924 acres with 100% of the fire contained. No injuries have been reported and there have been no reports of destroyed homes or primary residences. A total of 4 out buildings have been destroyed. The Franklin PUD, with mutual aid help from Big Bend Power and Benton PUD crews, made incredible progress last night and were able to restore power to the city of Kahlotus.

Fire Operations at the Incident Command Post at the Connell fire station and Base Camp at Connell High School will be demobilizing around 12:00 p.m. today. Firefighting actions will be turned back over to the local fire districts.

All roads in the Kahlotus area are now opened with no restrictions from the fire.

For further information contact Franklin County Emergency Management at 1-509-545-3546.